You’ve probably seen the variety of car manufacturers that have swapped four wheels for two in collaboration with bike brands. However, did you know some car manufacturers actually started building bikes before their first car went into production?
Of course, there is a shared interest between the two types of business. But some of the most well-known and much-loved car brands were originally bike companies, bringing innovation and tried-and-tested mechanical know-how to the forefront.
Let’s delve into the little history and check out some of the first bike-to-car brands below.
Peugeot
One of Europe’s most popular car manufacturers was, in fact, a bicycle maker before it became a renowned car brand. Before turning its creations to two wheels, the business was a steel foundry that crafted hand tools and kitchen equipment. Then, in 1882, Peugeot developed its first bicycle. It was based on the Penny Farthing design, and the pedals powered the larger front wheel.
Moving forward, a few years saw the invention of the brand’s first steam tricycle by Armand Peugeot. This later led to the development of the first car in 1891. The bike segment of the business was sold off in the 1960s. However, the trademark was retained and is still sold under Peugeot Cycles.
Morris
The Morris Motor Company was founded in 1912 and was initially named W.R.M Motors. It merged with The British Motor Corporation Limited and further successors before becoming defunct as a brand in 1984.
However, its origins started with William Morris, who built bicycles before moving into motorcycle production. The first car, the Bullnose Morris, was created in 1912. Later, he purchased the bankrupt Wolseley Motors Ltd of Birmingham for its technology used in the first Morris Minor and MG Midget.
While the Morris brand name disappeared some years ago, it’s since been revived with the new Morris Commercial JE. A quintessentially British 1940s design powered by electricity.
Triumph
The Triumph name is renowned in car and motorcycle manufacturing. But before its first car, founder Siegfried Bettman imported bicycles to sell under his own trade name – Triumph. Following this success, Bettman was joined by business partner Moritz Schulte. They started producing their own brand of bicycles in 1889.
The company was later renamed Triumph Cycle Co. Ltd, and the pair moved onto motorcycle production in 1902. By 1918, they became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in Britain. They also supplied models to the British Army during the First World War.
After acquiring assets and premises from the former Dawson Car Company, Triumph created its first car and engine. The company name changed again in 1930 to Triumph Motor Company and focused on high-end automobiles.
Hillman
Before The Hillman Motor Car Company was formed in 1907, its founders built bicycles. In fact, in 1870, William Hillman and James Starley patented a new bike – the Ariel. The success of this manufacturing soon established the company, leading Hillman to turn to car manufacturing.
After it transitioned to automobiles, the company was later merged with the Rootes Group. Raleigh purchased the bicycle side of the business, and the name was used into the 1970s. Chrysler took control of the Rootes Group in 1967, and the Avenger and Hunter models were rebadged under this name. The car group then sold up to Peugeot, who stopped production of the Hunter and rebadged the Avenger as a Talbot. This was finally shelved in 1981. However, Peugeot still owns the rights to the Hillman trade name.
Darracq
The former car manufacturer, first known as A Darracq et Cie, originally produced bicycles under the Gladiator Cycle Company. Its founder Alexandre Darracq set up shop just outside Paris, and his first factory created tricycles, bicycles parts and quadricycles.
After selling the bicycle company to fund a car manufacturing endeavour, Darracq moved onto electric brougham style cars before switching to combustion engines in 1900.
The Darracq brand, like many others of this era, participated in motorsports and won numerous awards, including world-speed records. Plus, the brand is now a classic among vintage car lovers. For example, the Darracq car has appeared in the TV series Wheeler Dealers and the British film Genevieve.
Puch
Puch is a manufacturing company based in Austria. However, its origins started with industrialist Johann Puch building bicycles in 1891. The creator went on to form the First Styrian Bicycle Company. Puch was a respected name in the industry, and the company enjoyed success through high-quality craftsmanship.
In the early 1900s, factory production turned to combustion engines, with the first cars developed in 1904. A Puch car also garnered acclaim with a world high-speed record in 1909.
Puch has a strong legacy in motorcycle, moped and automobile production. The brand partnered with Mercedes-Benz in 1979 to build the G-Class. It also joined forces with Volkswagen to build the T3 engine. Its origins are still admired today, and Puch Bikes are tipped to make a comeback with much-loved designs.
Bianchi
Bianchi is an iconic name in bicycle production and the world’s oldest manufacturer still here today. The company created the first equal-sized wheels with rubber tyres and still provides cutting edge designs in the current market. Similarly to other bicycle companies, Bianchi moved into motorcycle production in 1897 and took part in motorcycle races. Production continued until 1967, when Piaggio bought it out.
Alongside bicycles and motorcycles, Bianchi joined with Fiat and Pirelli in 1955 and Autobianchi was born. This venture produced a few small car models, including the Autobianchi A111. However, the partnership was short-lived, and the brand was later sold to Fiat in 1969.
While cars are no longer on their production line, bicycles remain at the heart of their roots. Its roster includes high-tech and aerodynamic racing bikes, mountain bikes and road and city options. Its e-bike range is also popular with enthusiasts.
